Overview
The Audi Q4 e-tron 45 is Audi’s compact electric SUV, built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. The platform is shared with the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, but Audi’s version distinguishes itself through interior quality, the augmented reality head-up display (a genuine industry first when introduced, still a differentiator), and the Audi brand experience that commands a premium over its MEB siblings.
The 45 variant uses an 82kWh battery with a single rear motor. At 591km WLTP, it delivers more range than the smaller 55 quattro AWD variant — the efficiency advantage of single-motor RWD on the larger pack produces the best range result in the Q4 range.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Drive | WLTP Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 e-tron 45 | RWD | 591 km | ~$79,900 |
| Q4 55 e-tron quattro | AWD | 549 km | ~$91,900 |
Performance, Range, and Charging
210kW and 310Nm, rear-wheel drive. 0-100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds — efficiency-tuned rather than performance-oriented. The Q4’s character is a comfortable, capable family SUV; the driving style reflects that.
591km WLTP translates to approximately 475-510km at 110 km/h with climate control. Urban cycling: 550-570km. 175kW DC — 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 32 minutes. AC 11kW: approximately 9 hours.
Interior and Technology
The Q4 interior is where Audi earns its premium over VW. The MMI infotainment system runs on a 10.1-inch central screen; the augmented reality head-up display projects navigation arrows onto the road surface through the windscreen, making junction guidance more intuitive than any map-on-screen approach. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on Australian models. Virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster.
Material quality exceeds expectations at this price: genuine soft-touch surfaces in contact areas, good acoustic insulation, and consistent panel fit. Boot: 520L with the rear seat up.
Safety and Practicality
Five-star NCAP. Standard active safety: AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Active Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go. Five seats, 520L boot. Towing: 1,200kg braked.
Verdict
The Q4 e-tron 45 is the compact premium EV for buyers who want Audi’s interior quality and AR head-up display in a 591km WLTP package. 175kW DC charging and the three-year warranty are the compromises. Versus the Kia EV6 GT-Line RWD ($64,900), which has 582km WLTP range, 240kW DC charging, and a seven-year unlimited warranty at $15,000 less, the Q4 is a premium brand choice rather than a value-maximising one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audi Q4 e-tron have CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on Australian Q4 e-tron models — a point of differentiation versus Hyundai and Kia at this price.
How does the Q4 e-tron 45 compare to the VW ID.4?
Both use the MEB platform. The Q4 e-tron 45 has a longer WLTP range (591km vs ~555km), Audi’s interior quality, an AR head-up display, and the Audi brand premium — at a higher price. The ID.4 Pro delivers the same architecture with less interior refinement for less money.